An Alohaman Extreme Tour
Alohaman Extreme Triathlon is part of a trilogy of events produced by the team at Extreme Endurance Events.
Last week they announced the new Alohaman event, which will take place on the Big Island on December 7, 2019. While they opened registration yesterday, Slowtwitch got a sneak peak of this truly epic course earlier in the week.
Below are some of the incredible sights of our tour of the Alohaman course. All photos by James Webber and Aaron Palaian.
The Westin Hapuna Resort serves as race headquarters, the start and finish line, transition areas and a breathtaking swim venue.
We rented a kayak guide to serve as support for our mostly solo tour of the course but on race day you'll share the warm waters of Hapuna Bay with 249 others.
Hapuna Bay is very clear offering excellent visibility throughout the swim.
Pulled back camera view showcases the entire swim venue at Hapuna Bay.
Athletes will have a short run on the beach between laps one and two of the swim.
A short uphill run from Hapuna Beach leads to the transition area, a large grassy field, where your support team and bike equipment await. An added bonus was this sprinkler to wash off the saltwater.
After exiting the Hapuna Resort you'll spend a few miles on the Queen K Highway before the roads begin to point up.
We faced a fierce headwind on the climb past Waikoloa Village and were relieved to take the right turn onto Highway 190.
You'll need to pack your climbing legs but the views on Daniel K Inouye Highway are to-die-for.
The Saddle Road runs between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and provides a euphoric sense of freedom one simply must experience on two wheels.
The 125 mile cycling leg has over 12,000 feet of vertical gain.
And while the grade was not too steep, if experienced on a windy day, it could become quite menacing.
The landscape changed often giving the perception of being in another world.
Front and rear lights are mandatory at Alohaman, and for good reason.
Weather can change in the blink of an eye. Be prepared for everything.
Back at sea level in time to be inspired by the setting sun.
The 28.5 mile run starts off with a steep climb before leaving the Hapuna Resort.
The early miles of the run take you past the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and towards Kawaihae.
Soon enough reality sets in that most of the run will take place in the dark.
And while both peaceful and mentally taxing, it was still pure relief and a welcomed sight to see lights, and the realization the finish was near.
If you'd like to experience the first running of the Alohaman Extreme Triathlon on December 7, 2019, you'll need to act fast as registration just opened with only 250 available spots.
For more incredible images and video from James Webber and Aaron Palaian, follow them on Instagram.
